WASHINGTON: Under growing pressure for a massive security failure, the US Secret Service on Monday pledged to cooperate with an independent review after a shocking assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
The incident, which occurred during Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday, left the 78-year-old former president injured but alive. The brazen attack has sent shockwaves through a deeply divided nation already on edge ahead of the upcoming November elections.
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle addressed the security lapse in a statement, stating, “The Secret Service is working with all involved Federal, state and local agencies to understand what happened, how it happened, and how we can prevent an incident like this from ever taking place again.”
Cheatle emphasized the agency’s commitment to an independent review initiated by President Joe Biden, saying, “We understand the importance of the independent review announced by President Biden yesterday and will participate fully. We will also work with the appropriate Congressional committees on any oversight action.”
During the rally, multiple gunshots rang out while Trump was addressing the crowd. He was seen clutching his ear and blood was visible on his ear and cheek before Secret Service agents immediately intervened, surrounding him and moving him to safety.
The gunman, positioned on a nearby rooftop approximately 500 feet away, was armed with an assault rifle. He and a bystander were killed in the ensuing gunfire exchange, while two other spectators sustained injuries.
Following the incident, Biden ordered a comprehensive review of security measures not only at the rally but also at the upcoming Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Trump is slated to be nominated as the party’s presidential candidate.
Questions have arisen about how the gunman managed to position himself within firing range despite the heavy security presence typical at events featuring high-profile political figures like former presidents.
